Living on a low income can be challenging, but Calgary, and the province, offers various supports and resources to help individuals and families navigate these difficulties. From housing assistance to food security programs, here’s a comprehensive guide to the low-income supports available in Calgary.

1. Affordable Housing and Rent Assistance

Housing is a fundamental need, and Calgary has several programs to assist low-income residents in securing and maintaining affordable housing.

• Calgary Housing Company (CHC): The CHC provides affordable housing options for low and moderate-income families, seniors, and individuals. They offer a variety of housing options, including social housing and affordable rental units.
• Rent Supplement Programs: These programs provide financial assistance to help cover rent costs for eligible low-income households. The programs are designed to reduce the rent burden and ensure housing stability.

2. Financial Assistance Programs

For those struggling to meet their basic needs, several financial assistance programs are available.

• Alberta Works: This program offers income support to individuals and families in need. It includes emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and health benefits.
• Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH): AISH provides financial and health benefits to eligible adults with a permanent disability that severely impacts their ability to earn a living.

3. Food Security and Nutrition Programs

Ensuring access to nutritious food is crucial for health and well-being. Calgary has multiple food security programs aimed at helping low-income residents.

• Calgary Food Bank: The food bank offers emergency food hampers to individuals and families in need. They also run various programs to address the root causes of food insecurity.
• Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK): This program provides lunches to school-aged children who might otherwise go without. It ensures that children have access to nutritious food during the school day.

4. Health and Wellness Services

Access to healthcare and wellness services is vital for everyone, regardless of income.

• Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS): CUPS provides integrated healthcare, education, and housing services to help people overcome poverty. Their health clinic offers medical, dental, and mental health services.
• Alberta Health Services (AHS) Community Programs: AHS provides a range of community-based health services, including public health nursing, addiction services, and mental health support.

5. Employment and Training Programs

Finding and maintaining employment is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Calgary offers several programs to support job seekers.

• Momentum: This organization offers programs to help individuals gain the skills needed for employment, start a business, or manage finances. They provide training, workshops, and support services.
• Calgary Labour Market Information: This resource provides up-to-date information on job trends, training opportunities, and employment services available in Calgary.

6. Community and Social Supports

Building a strong support network is essential for resilience and well-being.

• 211 Alberta: This is a 24/7 helpline that connects individuals with community and social services. It covers a wide range of needs, including housing, food, mental health, and employment support.
• Neighbourhood Services: These services offer community-based programs and resources to support families and individuals. They focus on enhancing community engagement and well-being.

7. City of Calgary Subsidy Program

Being able to experience what Calgary has to offer can go a long way to support your mental health while experiencing financial struggles.

• Fair Entry program: This amazing initiative lets you apply for multiple programs and services with one application, with eligibility based on your income. Benefits include discounted transit passes, no cost spay/neuter, senior home maintenance, property tax assistance, reduced rate high-speed internet and significant discounts for recreation facilities like the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, TELUS Spark, Vertigo Theatre, Calgary recreation programs and so much more.

Navigating life on a low income can be challenging, but Calgary offers a robust network of supports to help residents meet their needs and improve their quality of life. Whether it’s through housing assistance, financial aid, food security programs, health services, employment training, or community support, there are resources available to help. If you or someone you know is in need, reaching out to these programs can make a significant difference. Remember, help is available, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Visit me on Facebook and Google!

CREB® released the June statistics, reporting that sales in June reached 2,738, marking a 13 percent decline from last year’s record high. Although sales improved for homes priced above $700,000, it was not enough to offset the declines reported in the lower price ranges. Despite the easing in June sales, they remain over 17 percent higher than long-term trends.

“The pullback in sales reflects supply challenges in the lower price ranges, ultimately limiting sales activity,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®. “Inventory in the lower price ranges of each property type continue to fall, providing limited choices for potential purchasers looking for more affordable product. It also continues to be a competitive market for some buyers with over 40 per cent of the homes sold selling over list price.”

This month, new listings also eased relative to sales, causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to remain elevated at 72 per cent. Inventory levels did improve over last year’s low levels, primarily due to gains in the higher price ranges. However, with 3,789 units available, levels remain 40 per cent lower than long-term trends.

The modest change in inventory levels helped increase the months of supply. However, at 1.4 months, conditions continue to favor sellers. Persistently tight conditions drove further price gains this month. In June, the unadjusted benchmark price rose to $608,000, a gain over last month and nearly nine per cent higher than last year. Prices rose across all districts, with the most significant year-over-year gains occurring in the North East and East districts.

Airdrie

June sales remained relatively stable compared to last year at levels that remain well above long-term averages. At the same time, we saw a boost in new listings this month compared to last year. However, with 269 new listings and 209 sales, the sales-to-new-listings ratio remained elevated at 78 per cent, keeping inventories relatively low based on historical standards.

Like Calgary, Airdrie is experiencing the tightest conditions for the most affordable sectors of the market, and prices continue to rise. In June, the unadjusted benchmark price rose to $554,500, nearly one per cent higher than last month and nine per cent higher than last year’s levels. Price growth has been the highest for apartment-style properties.

Cochrane

June sales improved over last year’s levels, contributing to the year-to-date gain of seven per cent. This was possible thanks to the boost in new listings in June. However, the gains in new listings did little to impact the inventory levels, which remained consistent with levels reported last year and are 44 per cent lower than levels we typically see in June.

With nearly one and a half months of supply, conditions continue to favour the seller, driving further price gains this month. In June, the unadjusted benchmark price was $571,100, an increase over last month and nearly nine per cent higher than last year’s levels. Like Airdrie, the price growth was strongest for apartment-style units, which are also the most affordable products available in the town.

Okotoks

Sales in June slowed compared to last year, mostly due to a pullback in the detached sector. Sales activity has been somewhat restricted due to the limited supply options. As of June, there were 81 units in inventory, 56 per cent lower than levels we typically see in the month, and detached supply is nearly 63 per cent lower.

Persistently tight market conditions have kept prices elevated compared to last year. While there has been some monthly fluctuation, year-to-date prices are nearly nine per cent higher than last year’s levels.

Read the full release here www.creb.com/News/Media_Releases/2024/July/June_sales_decline_amid_supply_challenges_and_rising_prices/ and connect with me for more about the real estate market in and around Calgary. Join me on Facebook and Google to be a part of the action!

Summer in Calgary, Alberta, can get pretty hot, but fear not—there are plenty of fantastic places to beat the heat. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s your ultimate guide to cooling down and enjoying the summer sun in Calgary.

1. Glenmore Reservoir

Located in the southwest of Calgary, Glenmore Reservoir is a fantastic spot for water activities. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to enjoy a refreshing time on the water. The surrounding parks, like North Glenmore Park and South Glenmore Park, offer shaded picnic spots, walking paths, and playgrounds, making it a great family outing destination.

2. Sikome Lake

Sikome Lake, in Fish Creek Provincial Park, is a man-made lake that is perfect for swimming. Open from June to September, it features sandy beaches, picnic areas, and even concessions for a classic summer beach day experience. With lifeguards on duty, it’s a safe place for families to enjoy the water.

3. Calgary Zoo

While the Calgary Zoo might not be the first place you think of to cool down, it offers plenty of shady areas and indoor exhibits. The lush gardens and enclosures provide a cool respite from the sun. Don’t miss the Penguin Plunge exhibit, where you can enjoy the cool environment and watch penguins frolic in icy waters.

4. Bowness Park

Bowness Park, situated along the Bow River, is a popular spot for picnicking and boating. Rent a paddleboat or canoe to explore the lagoon, or simply enjoy the shaded grassy areas. The park’s wading pool and spray park are perfect for young children to splash around and stay cool.

5. Calaway Park

For a fun-filled family day, head to Calaway Park. Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park features water rides and splash zones perfect for cooling off. The Timber Falls log ride and the Bumper Boats are especially popular for getting soaked while having a blast.

6. Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park offers a unique blend of history and leisure. The park is home to an antique midway, where you can enjoy old-fashioned ice cream and cold beverages. The Glenmore Reservoir also borders the park, providing cool breezes and scenic boat rides on the S.S. Moyie.

7. Village Ice Cream

Sometimes, nothing beats the heat like a scoop of ice cream. Village Ice Cream has several locations in Calgary and offers a variety of artisanal flavors. Enjoy your treat in the air-conditioned comfort of their shops or take it to-go and explore the surrounding areas.

8. Prince’s Island Park

Located in the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park is an urban oasis in downtown Calgary. The park offers plenty of shaded areas, walking paths, and access to the river for wading or dipping your feet. The annual Calgary Folk Music Festival held here in July also provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music in the shade.

9. Nose Hill Park

For those who enjoy hiking, Nose Hill Park offers extensive trails with panoramic views of the city and the mountains. While it can get hot, early morning or evening hikes can be quite refreshing, and the higher elevation often means cooler temperatures and breezes.

10. Devonian Gardens

Right in the heart of downtown Calgary, Devonian Gardens is a unique indoor botanical garden. This tropical oasis features over 500 trees, a variety of plants, and koi ponds. The air-conditioned environment provides a cool retreat while you explore the lush greenery.

Calgary has no shortage of places to cool down during the summer. From outdoor water activities and shaded parks to indoor attractions and ice cream shops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your sunscreen, hat, and water bottle, and make the most of Calgary’s sunny summer days. Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook and Google!